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Hi, Xena ~
Sorry, but the MSN sites will NOT let you cross-post "their" photos on Pet Talk :mad:!
Here's a link to your MSN site that will allow the photo to be seen if you click on this link:
Toby Cat at Xena's house...
To directly post his photo on Pet Talk, you'll have to send it to one of us in an e-mail, -OR- open a WebShots album and load it there. Then you can post from the WebShots album and see the photo here.
WebShots is at: Webshots.com
Bless his littel heart, he does look scraggly, doesn't he? I'm glad you were able to get a picture of him!
Will say an extra prayer for Toby. Thanks for posting his picture. He is lucky to have you and Rachel to help him.
Thank you for posting the link for Toby's Pic. I was trying but knew there had to be a trick to it. Thanks for explaining. I placed his pic on a site I opened to store pics on. I never told anyone about it before. So you may think I am picture crazy if you look at the site sorry. Toby actually has picked up alot more weight since when I first had him he was nothing but fur over bones. I am feeding him 4 pouches of Whiskas chicken and gravy a day and was giving him two cups of Whiskas dry food. Spaced out throughout the day. But now know he has to have soft food only because of his teeth. I thought chicken was the easiest digestible and the gravy would help fatten him up. I was going to increase this to 6 since he can not have dry food anymore. Should I put him on straight soft kitten food even though he is 5 yrs old? I was afraid to overdo it because I know he is not accustomed to having much and was afraid he might get sick if I try too much too soon. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Xena :confused:
As long as he is still sick and/or underweight, kitten food would be a very good idea. If you are worried about a change in diet upsetting him you can gradually switch over - 3/4 of what he's eating now mixed with 1/4 kitten food, then half and half, etc. until his diet is completely switched over. Chicken and rice chopped fine or pureed is also good for convalescing cats as a supplement to the kitten food.
Xena,
As I told you in my earlier email, I think he is beautiful!! :) Bless his heart...he looks comfortable and I just know he will get better and better.
The Webshots is acting up tonight and I'm going to be gone all day tomorrow, so I emailed his picture to Sandra to see if she will try in the morning. We need his face plastered right here!! :D
Have a good Saturday everyone.
Logan
Introducing Toby:
http://wsphotofews.excite.com/041/o2/MF/6k/iw20072.jpg
Thank you Leah for posting his pic. I tried using Webshots but must have done it wrong.
Toby is starting to explore his surroundings today. He is so affectionate but scares very easily. We are making steady progress though and he is eating really well too. I have started him on a mix of kitten food and the Whiskas today. I will decrease the Whiskas daily and add more kitten food as you suggested.
Thanks again,
Xena :)
http://wsphotofews.excite.com/041/pk/NI/aQ/ak87837.jpg
Here is precious Toby!
Just saw Leah already did. Sorry Logan. :(
I think two doses of Toby is better than one!!! I think he is precious....and it helps to put a face with the name. Xena, I'm so happy that sweet Toby will be with you over Christmas. :)
Thanks Sandra, for posting that, and Leah too!
And here is a newer picture of Toby, feeling all better, thank goodness!! Xena reports that Toby likes sleeping on her son's bed now.....isn't he just wonderful???
http://wsphotofews.excite.com/039/Sw/7j/hG/iR31518.jpg
Thank you Logan for posting Toby's Pic. He is eating like a horse (pardon the expression)and even has a belly now. lol He has stopped scratching and chewing at himself so bad. His skin is really clearing up nicely. I think the cortisone is kicking in. Now to get the dental work done and Toby will be on his way to hopefully many years so he can enjoy a loving and safe future. Thank you everyone for all the prayers, support, advice and donations. You are wonderful and may God Bless all of you!
Xena :)
Xena, I think BosMom may have mentioned that I, too, live in MD and only now have picked up on this thread.. If I can help in any way $$ or ANYTHING please reply.. is there an address that I may have missed :confused: to help with the bills :( sorry I'm so late with the offer but better late then never :p at least I hope so :confused:
laurie
Hi Laurie :)
No it is not too late. Toby goes in next week for an estimate on the dental work he is going to need. Thank you so much for offering to help. I will email you the Animal Hospital address he is going to where they have started the fund for him. Toby and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Xena :)
Xena, please email me that address, too. It will probably be next month before I can do anything, but if he is indeed going to need ongoing care then funds may still be needed then, too.
Xena, count me in on the $$ donations, I won't be able to contribute until next month but I'd like to be prepared.
Toby looks a lot like our Gaucho, who now lives happily ever after in NJ (he and Bo didn't get along). I am so glad this story is turning out to have a happy ending!
:D :D
Hi Everyone!
I was able to get Toby an appointment for the dental estimate on December 27th. They said due to the holidays they can not make anymore appointments til then. Well at least we were able to get one for this month and then we can find out all that needs to be done. Toby is still doing great and picking up weight nicely.
Thanks,
Xena :)
And Xena has also reported that Toby is purring for her too!!! Say it with me.... "Awwwwwwwwww"!!! Reading that made my day!!!!
Xena, you are God's gift to cats, in my opinion, with lots of help from Connie(BosMom)first, then the other "cyber angels" who are going to help Toby out financially.
Happy Holidays to all of you, and LOTS AND LOTS of HUGS to Toby from me, please.
Logan
Hi Everyone!
Well Toby and I just got back from the Dental Clinic. We have good news and not so good news.
Good News
Toby has gone from 8 lbs 3 oz to 11 lbs.
He is picking up weight great!
The Dental Vet thinks he can save the right K-9 and his other teeth.
Not So Good News
He definately has to remove the one K-9 and clean the black tartar off each individual tooth. Then treat his gums. Toby's gums have receded exposing parts of his teeth that are not suppose to be exposed and they are absessed.
Bad News
Toby is missing a large part of his tongue. This has been why Toby has had so much trouble cleaning himself and eating. He is hoping that it is just from a past trauma. But he will not be sure until he goes in and is able to pull the tongue out to examine it. There is a thing called Neo Placia (not sure of the spelling) which causes the tongue to recede because of a mass that grows on it. If it is this it is cancerous.
I am so upset right now because Toby has got to be the sweetest most lovable cat there is and it just isn't fair. I am praying it is just from past trauma and that he has adjusted well to eating with a partial tongue. He can not eat canned food unless I clump it and make balls for him. Dry food is out of the question. But he is able to eat Whiskas so I have been giving him 6 packets a day and he has been doing great with it. He grabs a chunk and wings it to the back of his throat to swallow it. Now I understand why he is doing it. He will always need special care because he can not clean himself well. But he is sooooo good with anything you do with him I just use kitty wipes to clean him up.
Since Toby has began purring he purrs constantly now. He loves to roll on his back and be scratched on his chest and under his chin. He talks to you constantly and you can see the pleasure in his eyes when he sees you. He loves to be held like a baby now and purrs away. The dental vet poked and prodded in his mouth for 10 min never once did Toby hiss, growl or meow. He is so good it is amazing. He also loves his catnip pad that Santa gave him and he looks like a kitten when he rolls around on it. lol
Now for the estimate. Toby will need to be under anasthesia a mininum of an hour and a half maybe longer depending on what the vet finds out about his tongue also if he has to take a biopsy. With the hospitalization, surgery, anasthesia, tests etc etc etc the estimated bill is $799.00. I know my eyes popped out of my head too. But Toby is worth it and I will find a way to get him through this. Thanks you so much for the donations. The Animal Clinic said that Toby's fund is up to $130.00 and I think that is great! God Bless everyone who is helping it is greatly appreciated.
Xena
:confused: Sorry, I've missed the post where the fund's address was given. Would you mind reposting it? I'd like to support this, but need more info. (Sorry to be dense, but just plain missed it. ??)
Dear Xena and Toby,
What great news and yet I have to wonder about that tongue problem. Is the Vet going to biopsy the tongue first? That is what I would have him do. Let us all know the outcome of the tongue problem, please. I truly hope it was damaged from mistreatment and not due to a tumor. If the tongue problem is serious then I don't think the Vet will go forward with repairs to the teeth. What do you think?
I have misplaced the information for the payments to the Toby fund and if you would email me or post it here, I would appreciate it. It must have gotten mixed in with the Christmas rush.
Xena it is so nice of you to take this poor kitty in to your home and give it such TLC and if it turns out that the tongue cannot allow it to survive very much longer, then you will know that it had a wonderful time at your place and was given such great care! Again, I truly hope it is from a past trama.
Good luck Xena and don't forget to give that address out to us! Thank you!
SAS
I just reread your posting and noticed your comment about the biopsy etc.
I will say a prayer for Toby!
[ December 27, 2001: Message edited by: SasVermont ]
I'm so glad to hear that Toby is purring and gaining weight. Even though he's been through so much abuse and neglect, I'd like to believe that the tender care he is getting now will renew his little spirit.
Keep fighting for life and health, little Toby. Your friend Xena and all your PetTalk friends want you to feel love and hope for just as long as possible.
Thanks for offering the donations we really appreciate it. From what I understand the vet is going to look at his tongue first while he is under anasthesia. By examining it he should be able to tell if he needs to do a biopsy or not. Hopefully he will find that it is only from a past trauma and will proceed with Toby's dental surgery. He did say that Toby's weight gain is great and that he feels confident that Toby will do well with the surgery. Maybe I am being optimistic but I don't believe that life can be so cruel to take away his future so soon. Toby has had to go through so much but has still managed to keep his loving and sweet nature and continues to thrive. I will keep praying to St. Francis to watch over him and protect him.
Xena
[ December 28, 2001: Message edited by: Xena ]
Ok Everyone Great News I hope! I was finally able to get through to the Rescue Organization that I adopted my second kitten from. Thier Vet is going to look at Toby tonight. Over the phone I explained what needed to be done. They think the surgery and biopsy if needed can be done there for around $219.00. Don't worry about the donations I am sure I can retrieve them if we need to switch vets. Your prayers are helping and I know someone is listening from up above.
Xena :)
Fantastic News Everyone! The rescue organization's vet examined Toby. He said that Toby does not have Neo Placia and that it is scar tissue that has built up on the end of his partial tongue. The vet said that just like any handicapped animal Toby has adjusted his eating etc. and that he does not see his tongue as a major problem. He is going to do the pre-blood work to make sure his kidneys and liver can take the anasthesia. Extract his K-9, clean his teeth, treat his absesses and put him on antibiotics. The vet said he should be able to do all of this for under $200. Thank God! Graciously he is giving us the Rescue Organization's discounts for the procedure. He listened to Toby's heart and lungs and said he looks and sounds very good and should be ready for the surgery. I will need to talk to Rachel as to how she wants to do this. The vet is about 20 min from me and about an hour from her. It will be done as an outpatient where Toby will be dropped off in the morning and picked up in the evening. I am just so happy to know that Toby will finally be able to get the dental work done and that his tongue is ok. Toby has this one final hurdle and will then begin his loving painfree future.
Xena :)
[ December 28, 2001: Message edited by: Xena ]
An update on Pam. She called me yesterday Pam voluntarily went to the state hospital and they are reevaluating her medication and helping her. Now that she has taken this first step the network assistance worker said they are going to assign someone to help her when she gets out to find suitable housing and to watch over her. Basically this means a worker will go to her house daily to check on her, handle her finances and make sure she has food in the house. If they see a change where her medication needs to be adjusted or any problems they will be able to address it right away. So it looks like Pam is finally receiving the help she needs and hopefully will never be in such a bad situation again.
Xena :)
What great news about Toby and good news that Pam will be looked after. I am so happy to hear that the tongue thing for Toby worked out just fine. I didn't want to mention it before, but I just (Feb. 2001) had to put a cat down because she had inoperable tongue cancer. So I was really scared when I heard about Toby. Glad bad starts can have a good finish these days.
Still let us know about the money angle of this situation. I know how expensive things can get eventually.
Thank you for your efforts in saving this poor kitty.
SAS
Xena,
I am so relieved to hear about Toby and the fact that you have found a vet who will help out on this, much more inexpensively. I hope that the other vet, where we sent money to is going to work with you on transferring it to the new vet. I certainly hope so!!
Kiss Toby for us, and tell him that is he loves Whiskas, I'll be glad to send it to him by the crateload!!!! :D
Logan
Hi Everyone!
Sorry I have been without a computer for a couple days. Toby is scheduled to have the dental surgery done next Thursday, Jan 10. Thanks for all your help and support through this it has been greatly appreciated.
Xena :)
Xena, I never know where to respond to you, since I follow Toby's story at Siamese Cats and here. Please know that I am excited that he will have his surgery soon, and hopefully feel much better when it is done.
I know you haven't discussed his behavior issues much over here, but maybe you could when you have time. You might get some good suggestions from these folks too.
I am so disappointed that the "forever" home doesn't seem to have worked out. I do hope you will at least hear from her. I wish I were closer and didn't have two of my own, because he sounds like a love, and I would take him in a minute. Mimi would never allow it....she still flattens her ears and hisses everytime Butter comes near. And he is so mean...he might intimidate the heck out of Toby.
In the end, whatever happens, I'm sure Toby will be fine. You'll make sure of it!! :D You are very dear to me, because I know you are a compassionate, loving individual. I read it in each and every post. Thanks for all you do. :)
Here is an updated post from Xena - she left it over at Siamese Cats this morning:
Hi Everyone!
If you could just say a small prayer I would be most grateful. Toby goes in today for the dental surgery to have his teeth worked on and one or more extracted. I will be dropping him off early this morning and picking him up this evening. I know I am a worrywart but that is what I do best. lol
Thanks for all the support in helping Toby.
Xena
I knew you would want to keep Toby in your hearts and prayers today. :)
[ January 10, 2002: Message edited by: Logan ]
Hi Logan! Hi Everyone!
I am sorry for taking so long getting back here. Toby had his dental surgery yesterday and did great! The vet said his one K-9 was infected all the way through and was very hard to extract. He said poor Toby had to have been in alot of pain from it. The vet in addition to doing the dental surgery also gave him all of his vaccinations and rabies shot. He is also on antibiotics for dental infections and abcesses. He took the antibiotics like a trooper this morning. So now Toby should be done with vets for a long time. Poor little guy didn't sleep too much last night and his eyes are all puffy this morning. When I was leaving for work he finally looked relaxed and was sleeping peacefully. Thanks to everyone for the prayers and support. Toby should now be in A1 shape and painfree from here on out.
Xena
As far as the aggression towards the kittens I am going to see how Toby does with them after his mouth heals. I am thinking with a major toothache like he had to have had could have made him easily aggitated. So keeping my fingers crossed that maybe he will tolerate them a little more now.
:D
[ January 11, 2002: Message edited by: Xena ]
Xena-
I am so glad to hear Toby is doing well.
Were you able to use the contributions sent to the Vet Clinic for Toby?
I just finished reading all this on Toby - missed this all the way around due to the holidays and all. I'm so uplifted to know that there are so many wonderful, wonderful people out there since lately I've run into such mean ones. God Bless everyone for their efforts on helping this wonderful kitty, my heart is so full it brings me to tears!!!!
Xena - it appears you're going to keep little Toby, he should never return to Pam since I guess it was her that inflicted the abuse on the poor thing right???
[ January 11, 2002: Message edited by: purrley ]
Hi Everyone!
Ok I have been working with the original vet Toby was going to. I explained the situation and why we couldn't use them. Since they took so long getting back to me and said they were working on it I just scheduled Toby for the surgery with the other vet. I paid the bill for the new vet so that is all clear.
The original vet has agreed to return all donations back to the original donors. They said the refunded donations will be sent by next week. If anyone does not recieve thier donation back please email me. I am trusting that they are very honest but just in case of a paper error I would like to be sure.
As far as keeping Toby I have become very attached to him this past month he is such a sweetheart. Toby is a little territorial though. I have 7 and 8 month old siamese mixes which he gets a little rough with and holds them down. I also have two dogs which he is not very fond of. So I am still working with Toby to see if he can adapt to living with the rest of my furry family or if he would rather be an only cat. As far as Pam he will not be going back with her. If it comes down to him not being able to adapt to a mutliple pet household then I will begin a search for an only cat home. Which if that were to happen I will be very picky about since Toby has special needs and he needs to be loved bunches.
Thanks,
Xena :)
Is there anyway the donations can be forwarded to cover Toby's expenses with the new vet?
Thanks so much ES but I paid the other vet yesterday at time of service. I didn't want to hold them up waiting for the first vet plus didn't want to delay Toby's dental surgery any longer.
Xena
I do wish you could be reimbursed for some of this, Xena. That was our intention.
Logan,
I do understand and God Bless all of you for giving the donations. The vet was unable to forward the money to the other vet or me due to the checks being payable to them. Since Toby has had the dental surgery completed and is now all up to date on his shots I thought it best to have the donations returned. This way they can possibly be used for another down the road in need. Toby and I would truly love that.
Xena :D